The Edmonton Oilers will be without a key cog in their lineup. News emerged early Saturday afternoon that superstar forward Leon Draisaitl will be taking a leave of absence for a few games. Team officials announced that Draisaitl will be of leave to a family member’s illness. The team added that the German star should return next week.
Oilers release statement regarding Leon Draisaitl. He won’t play this weekend and will miss a few games. pic.twitter.com/VePA8wQa40
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) January 17, 2026
Edmonton Oilers Star Leon Draisaitl On Leave Due to Family Illness
The rugged German forward is having another great season this year in Alberta. Draisaitl has 25 goals and 42 assists for 67 points in 48 games so far this campaign. The 30-year-old has been averaging 22 minute and five seconds of ice time. Draisaitl has a Corsi for of 58.6 and a relative Corsi of 13.7.
The Cologne, Germany native has 424 goals and 599 assists for 1,023 points in 838 career games. Edmonton originally drafted Draisaitl in the first round, third overall of the 2014 NHL Draft. He’s racked up numerous honours like the 2020 Hart Trophy, Art Ross, Maurice Richard, and Lester Pearson Awards.
Draisaitl has also played for his native Germany at the international level. He’s expected to be back in plenty of time before the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. His father, Peter, was a goalie for the German Olympic team on three different occasions.
What It Means
Draisaitl being out of the lineup leaves a massive hole in the lineup. Edmonton will likely put Andrew Mangiapane into the lineup to plug the gap. However, it’ll be very hard to replace the size and skill that Draisaitl brings to both ends of the ice.
The Oilers do have plenty of offensive talent that can help plug that gaps while they await the return of their big German. Edmonton does have talented players like Connor McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman that can score.
The Oilers will play the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. However, there is no rest for the team, as they play the St Louis Blues on Sunday.
Main photo by: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images